Custom Report Library (PS)
You can use the Custom Report Library feature, located at the bottom of each application area's Reports menu, to create reports written using third-party report writing software. Currently, you can import both Crystal Reports® or ActiveReports® templates for use in these libraries. Most contracts include Crystal Reports software, which is required to use Crystal Reports templates. ActiveReports support requires no special licensing and is the report format we will be using to create new report templates. The library form lists reports matching the application area that the form is being accessed from (Inventory or Purchasing, for example). For the Custom Report Library option to be available, the user must have a custom report's path name saved for their ID and the station must have custom reporting software enabled. When done, each application area's Reports drop down will then display a "Custom Library" option at the end of its Report drop down menu. Reports of each type (Crystal Reports and ActiveReports) are stored in different tabs in the library.
*Crystal Reports and ActiveReports software are not products of ECI Software Solutions, Inc. nor is the maker of ActiveReports or Crystal Reports software, Business Objects® SA, or GrapeCity associated or affiliated with ECI Software Solutions, Inc. in any way.
We use specific prefixes with the reports saved in the user's report directory. This identifies the application area the report is intended for. Reports that are to be accessible in Point of Sale, for example, must be prefixed with the letters PS. Reports for receivables, must be prefixed with AR instead. It's important to point out that the naming convention has nothing to do with the function of the report. Users may make copies of the same report with different names to allow access across applications.
A list of current application report template prefixes follows:
| Prefix | Application Templates |
|---|---|
| PS | Point of Sale |
| PO | Purchase Order |
| IN | Inventory |
| AR | Accounts Receivable |
| MI | Miscellaneous |
| MN | Maintenance |
Custom Reports Setup and Requirements
Access to the Custom Report Library form is limited to
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(a) users who have been set up with Custom Reports Folder for their user ID (Maintenance > Database > User ID) and
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(b) stations that have Custom Reports Access enabled. If the user wants to create a Crystal Reports-based custom report, the user must also have a custom report license installed (only file extensions ending in .rpt or .rpx are currently supported). Without this software, reports won't be usable.
Custom Report Library > ActiveReports tab with Account Receivable Reports Imported
Assuming the setup is done properly and requirements are met, users can click on the report files listed to open them in the reporting application. The custom library function is provided as a convenience for users who integrate custom reporting software along with the software. We don't provide support for 3rd party applications such as Crystal Reports software.
Running Custom Reports
The Custom Reports Library feature is located at the bottom of each Reports menu and can be used by users who have the required user permissions. ActiveReports are created, imported or exported onto your system by an ECI team member or downloaded by a person on your staff with administrative permissions. Reports on the “ActiveReports” tab match the application area that the form is accessed from (for example, POS or Purchasing).
Previewing a Report
To preview a report:
1. From the Custom Report Library list, click the report you want to run and choose Preview (F7).
If the selected report requires parameter entries, a “Report Parameter” form displays.
2. Complete the required fields by entering the appropriate report values for each parameter in the Value column. (Required fields are indicated with a check mark in the Required column.)
3. When you have completed your entries, choose OK to generate the preview.
If a required value is missing or incorrect, a red exclamation will appear next to the missing/incorrect field. If no parameters are required, the report will appear in the Viewer.
Printing and Transmitting Custom Reports
Reports can be printed or transmitted via fax or email.
To send a report directly to the printer without first viewing it, choose Print (F8).
The Document Print form displays. Enter the desired printer or transmission settings and choose Finish (F12).
Transmit (Email or Fax): Documents may also be transmitted via fax or email by selecting the Transmit tab.
Fill out all the fields with the required information and choose Finish (F12).
If user-defined parameters are required, the Report Parameters form displays.
Complete the required fields by entering the appropriate report values for each parameter in the Value column. (Required fields are indicated with a check mark in the Required column.)
When you have completed your entries, choose OK to print/transmit the report.
If a field is missing or incorrect, a red exclamation will appear next to the missing/incorrect field. If no parameters are required, the report will immediately print.
Process (F12): Pressing F12 has the same functionality as the F7 Preview option.